"New Roguelike Game Echoes Hades' Style"

Summary

• The upcoming indie game Rogue Loops draws significant inspiration from Hades.
• It features a roguelike structure with a repeating dungeon, randomly generated loot, and ability upgrades that come with distinct downsides affecting gameplay.
• Rogue Loops is slated for a PC release in early 2025, with a free demo currently available on Steam.

The upcoming indie roguelike dungeon-crawler Rogue Loops is heavily inspired by the acclaimed game Hades, both in its art style and gameplay mechanics. While it closely mirrors the familiar roguelike formula, Rogue Loops introduces a unique twist that sets it apart. Although the game is set to launch in early 2025, eager fans can explore a free demo available on Steam.

The roguelike genre has surged in popularity recently, with numerous developers creating their own versions, ranging from third-person action shooters like Returnal to traditional dungeon-crawlers like Hades and its sequel, which is currently in early access. Rogue Loops falls into the latter category, adopting a top-down perspective with a repeating dungeon filled with randomly generated loot and ability upgrades.

Rogue Loops: Roguelike Action with Hades-Inspired Mechanics

Comparisons to Hades are inevitable, particularly due to the Steam trailer and the available demo. However, Rogue Loops distinguishes itself with a unique mechanic where ability upgrades come with specific downsides, significantly altering gameplay. This mechanic is reminiscent of the Chaos Gates in Hades, which provide substantial upgrades but impose detrimental effects for several chambers. In Rogue Loops, these "curses" play a more central role, featuring varied effects that may last the entire run, depending on player choices.

The game's narrative centers around a family trapped in a deadly time loop. Players must navigate through a series of dungeons spread across five floors, facing different enemies and bosses on each run. Like most roguelikes, each attempt allows players to unlock procedurally generated upgrades, enabling them to craft unique builds using the buffs and debuffs from their acquired boons.

While an exact release date for Rogue Loops remains undisclosed, the game is slated for release on Steam in the first quarter of 2025. In the meantime, fans can experience the game's first floor through the free demo. For those looking to explore more roguelikes, titles such as Dead Cells and Hades 2 offer engaging alternatives until Rogue Loops becomes fully available.

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